Name: Icelandic pony
Origin: Iceland
Height: 127 - 135 cm
Color: All colors
Category: Pony
History of the breed Icelandic pony
Its ancestors are Celtic ponies brought to Iceland by the Vikings in the 9th century. Due to Iceland's isolation, the Icelandic Pony has not been influenced by any other breed for centuries, making it one of the purest breeds in the world. Yet in the 11th century there were attempts to crossbreed Icelandic horses with Arabian thoroughbreds. The results were fatal, however, and since then Icelandic ponies have not been allowed to breed with other breeds.
The body structure of the Icelandic pony breed
The head is large, the neck short and strong. The back is shorter and straight, the rump is sloping with a low-set tail. The limbs are firm, the hooves hard and of good quality. The gills are thick. The coat is usually pure, but can be any colour, including spotted. At the withers they grow 127-135 cm.
Use of the Icelandic Pony breed
Icelandic ponies are versatile horses used in agriculture and as riding ponies. They have a special four-stroke tölt gait that is very comfortable and allows riders to cover very long distances.
The nature of the Icelandic pony breed
Icelandic ponies are good-natured, friendly, and easy to handle. They are also very strong and hardy. They are sure-footed on mountainous terrain. They are distinguished by their unpretentiousness, modesty and diligence.